Which place is cheaper, Key West or Belize City?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Belize City or Key West?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Belize City or Key West? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.
Where Should I go: Belize City or Key West?
Belize City
Belize City is the largest city in Belize. It was once the capital of the country, but due to massive hurricane damage in 1961, the country decided to relocate it capital. With a population of 57,000 people, Belize City is located right at the mouth of the Haulover Creek.
This gorgeous tropical city experiences a monsoon climate – meaning there are warm and humid conditions throughout the course of the year. There is a wet season from May to January, so plan for a little bit of rain in that time.
Key West
Key West is both a city and an island as well as the southern most Florida Key. It is also the southern most city in the continental United States. The island is only about four miles long and one mile wide. The total land mass covers just 4.2 square miles. The most famous street in town is Duval Street, which runs just 1.1 miles from the Gulf of Mexico to the Atlantic Ocean. There are 14 blocks. The size of the island doubled during the 1950s when many of the salt ponds along the eastern side of the island were filled in.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best G Adventures Tours to Belize, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Belize, The Best Train & Rail Tours in United States of America, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in United States of America.
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Belize City Prices
Belize PricesKey West Prices
USA Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayBelize City $108Key West $832
The average daily cost (per person) in Belize City is $108, while the average daily cost in Key West is $832. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Belize City and Key West in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personBelize City $49Key West $132
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomBelize City $98Key West $264
Compare Hotels in Belize City and Key West
Looking for a hotel in Belize City or Key West? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.
Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.
Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Belize City Hotel Prices and Key West Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Belize City $5.81Key West $51
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Belize City
Also for Belize City, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Belize City to Belize Airport (BZE) - Departure Private Transfer: $54
- Belize City to Philip S.W. Belize Airport (BZE) - Departure Private Transfer: $55
- Philip S.W. Belize Airport (BZE) to Belize city hotels -Arrival Private Transfer: $55
- Private Transfer from Belize City Port to Belize Airport (BZE): $72
- Private transfer from the Philip Goldson Airport to San Ignacio: $80
- Belize Airport (BZE) to San Ignacio - Arrival Private Transfer: $89
- Belize Airport (BZE) to Belize city - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $108
- Philip S.W. Belize Airport (BZE) to Belize City - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $110
- Private Transfer from Belize City To Hopkins Village : $115
- Private Transfer from Belize City and Airport to Placencia: $150
- Belize City Airport to Placencia Private Transfer: $150
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Key West
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Key West:
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Rental Car for One Day$38
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Key West
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Key West:
- Private Transfer from Key West hotels to Key West Cruise Port: $114
- Private Transfer from Key West Airport (EYW) to Key West Port: $113
- One Way Airport Transfer Service: $54
- Key West to Key West Airport (EYW) - Departure Private Transfer: $164
- Key West hotels to Key West Int Airport (EYW) Departure Transfer: $156
- Key West Int Airport EYW to Key West Hotels Arrival Transfer: $156
- Key West Int Airport (EYW) to Key West - Arrival Private Transfer: $164
Is it cheaper to fly into Belize City or Key West?
Prices for flights to both Key West and Belize City change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.
Food
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Food Meals for one dayBelize City $47Key West $667
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Belize City
For Belize City, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Altun Ha Mayan Site & Food Tour - fish farm & restaurant : $80
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Key West
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Key West.
- Sunset Dinner Cruise with Open Bar & Live Music: $74
- Exploring and Walking Food Tour of Cayo Hueso: $80
- Key West Cooking Show Chef Demonstration with Meal: $81
- Cooking Show Chef Demonstration with Meal: $81
- Key West Sunset Cruise: Dinner, Live Music & Drinks Included: $84
- Southernmost Food & Cultural Walking Tour by Key West Food Tours: $90
- Key West Sunset Buffet Dinner Cruise with Open Bar and Live Music: $100
- Secret Walking Food Tour: $115
- Sunset Sail Full Bar, Live Music & Dinner & Early Morning Snorkeling: $160
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Belize City $29Key West $33
Tours and Activities in Belize City
For Belize City, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- The Historic Belize City Tour: $35
- Belize City Tour: $40
- Cucumber Beach and City Tour: $49
- Cave Kayak tour for Belize Car Rental : $59
- Belizean Bits & Bites Food Tastings and City Tour in Belize: $60
- TukTuk Belize History & Culture Tour : $60
- Taste Bud Explosion Food Tasting Belize City Tour : $74
- Charlie's Cave Tubing Tour for cruisers (lunch included): $75
- Altun Ha Mayan Site tour from Belize City: $85
- The Incredible Cave Tubing Adventure from Belize City: $85
- Turtle Garden Snorkeling Tour and Island Break : $90
- Private Altun Ha Maya Ruin & Belize City Adventure From Belize City: $107
Tours and Activities in Key West
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Key West are as follows:
- 2 Hour Key West Mini Catamaran Eco Tour: $285
- 2-Hour Live Music Guided Tour in Key West: $35
- Day Sailing Adventure in the Florida Marine Sanctuary: $99
- Day in Key West - Private SUV Tour From Miami: $1,300
- Florida Key West Self-Guided Walking Audio Tour: $9.99
- Florida Keys: Aquarium Encounters Day Tour with Lunch: $182
- Florida Keys: Dolphin Research Center Day Tour with Lunch: $182
- Florida Keys: Up The Keys Nature Tour: $128
- From Dolphin Watching Tour with Lunch & Drinks: $150
- From Sandbar Cruise with Lunch and Open Bar (18+): $151
- Guided Mangrove Eco Tours Kayak or Paddleboard Adventure: $75
- Guided Night Kayak Adventure Tour in Luminous Lagoon: $90
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayBelize City $12Key West $16
Sample the Local Flavors in Key West
Also in Key West, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Key West Bar Crawl: $15
- Key West Haunted Pub Crawl and Ghost Tour with Free T-Shirt: $32
- Bone Island Haunted Pub Crawl: $32
- Key West Haunted Pub Crawl Walking Tour: $35
- Haunted Pub Crawl Walking Tour: $35
- 2.5-Hour Duval Street Pub Crawl: $43
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Belize City and Key West, we can see that Key West is more expensive. And not only is Belize City much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Belize City is in Central America and Key West is in North America, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Belize City would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Belize City and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Key West would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Key West than you might in Belize City.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Belize City Expensive? and Is Key West Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Belize City or Key West?
Belize City has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Key West. When comparing the sizes of Belize City and Key West, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.
When is the best time to visit Belize City or Key West?
Key West has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Belize City experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Belize City or Key West in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Belize City as well as Key West. Belize City attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, the beaches, snorkeling, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Key West this time of year.
In July, Belize City is generally around the same temperature as Key West. Daily temperatures in Belize City average around 28°C (82°F), and Key West fluctuates around 84°F (29°C).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Key West. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Belize City this time of the year. In the summer, Belize City often gets less sunshine than Key West. Belize City gets 226 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Key West receives 328 hours of full sun.
Belize City receives a lot of rain in the summer. Belize City usually gets more rain in July than Key West. Belize City gets 243 mm (9.6 in) of rain, while Key West receives 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyBelize City 28°C (82°F)Key West 84°F (29°C)
Should I visit Belize City or Key West in the Autumn?
Both Key West and Belize City are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Belize City throughout the year. Also, many travelers come to Key West for the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.
Belize City is around the same temperature as Key West in the autumn. The daily temperature in Belize City averages around 26°C (80°F) in October, and Key West fluctuates around 80°F (27°C).
It's quite sunny in Key West. Belize City usually receives less sunshine than Key West during autumn. Belize City gets 196 hours of sunny skies, while Key West receives 258 hours of full sun in the autumn.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Key West. It's quite rainy in Belize City. In October, Belize City usually receives more rain than Key West. Belize City gets 255 mm (10 in) of rain, while Key West receives 5.1 inches (129 mm) of rain each month for the autumn. The hurricane season in Key West is June to November.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberBelize City 26°C (80°F)Key West 80°F (27°C)
Should I visit Belize City or Key West in the Winter?
Both Key West and Belize City during the winter are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Belize City because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Also, many visitors come to Key West in the winter for the shopping scene and the cuisine.
In the winter, Belize City is a little warmer than Key West. Typically, the winter temperatures in Belize City in January average around 24°C (74°F), and Key West averages at about 70°F (21°C).
In Key West, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the winter, Belize City often gets less sunshine than Key West. Belize City gets 199 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Key West receives 252 hours of full sun.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Belize City. Belize City usually gets more rain in January than Key West. Belize City gets 138 mm (5.4 in) of rain, while Key West receives 1.7 inches (43 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryBelize City 24°C (74°F)Key West 70°F (21°C)
Should I visit Belize City or Key West in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Belize City and Key West. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Belize City year-round. Also, most visitors come to Key West for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty during these months.
In April, Belize City is generally around the same temperature as Key West. Daily temperatures in Belize City average around 27°C (80°F), and Key West fluctuates around 77°F (25°C).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Key West this time of the year. In Belize City, it's very sunny this time of the year. Belize City usually receives less sunshine than Key West during spring. Belize City gets 256 hours of sunny skies, while Key West receives 326 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Belize City usually receives more rain than Key West. Belize City gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Key West receives 0.8 inches (21 mm) of rain each month for the spring. June to November is the hurricane season in Key West.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilBelize City 27°C (80°F)Key West 77°F (25°C)
Typical Weather for Key West and Belize City
| Belize City | Key West | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 24°C (74°F) | 138 mm (5.4 in) | 70°F (21°C) | 1.7 inches (43 mm) |
| Feb | 24°C (76°F) | 73 mm (2.9 in) | 71°F (21°C) | 1.4 inches (36 mm) |
| Mar | 26°C (78°F) | 25 mm (1 in) | 74°F (23°C) | 1.7 inches (42 mm) |
| Apr | 27°C (80°F) | 52 mm (2 in) | 77°F (25°C) | 0.8 inches (21 mm) |
| May | 28°C (82°F) | 105 mm (4.1 in) | 81°F (27°C) | 2.7 inches (68 mm) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 258 mm (10.2 in) | 83°F (28°C) | 4.5 inches (114 mm) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 243 mm (9.6 in) | 84°F (29°C) | 3.3 inches (83 mm) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 187 mm (7.4 in) | 84°F (29°C) | 3.9 inches (98 mm) |
| Sep | 28°C (82°F) | 287 mm (11.3 in) | 83°F (29°C) | 5.7 inches (144 mm) |
| Oct | 26°C (80°F) | 255 mm (10 in) | 80°F (27°C) | 5.1 inches (129 mm) |
| Nov | 25°C (77°F) | 183 mm (7.2 in) | 76°F (24°C) | 2 inches (50 mm) |
| Dec | 25°C (76°F) | 138 mm (5.4 in) | 72°F (22°C) | 1.4 inches (35 mm) |
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.